ANOVA and Significant Interaction

1. How would you explain the logic of ANOVA to someone with no experience? (answer should be at least 4 sentences)

2. What does it mean to have a significant interaction (in ANOVA)? Discuss by using examples.

Solution Preview

Hi,

It is not easy to explain statistics without knowing the basics, but let's try to address the two questions in as easy to understand language as possible. I also attached a supporting resources, which expands on this response, some of which this response is drawn.

RESPONSE:

1. How would you explain the logic of ANOVA to someone with no experience? (answer should be at least 4 sentences)

The purpose of analysis of variance (ANOVA) is to test if the differences amongst means (for groups or variables) are greater than chance. The ANOVA allows researchers to investigate the interactions among the variables (IVs). The world is complex and multivariate in nature, and instances when a single variable completely explains a phenomenon are rare. For example, when trying to explore how to grow a bigger tomato, we would need to consider factors that have to do with the plants' genetic makeup, soil conditions, lighting, temperature, etc. Thus, in a typical experiment, many factors are taken into account. ...

Solution Summary

This solution discusses how to explain the logic of ANOVA to someone with no experience. It describes what it means to have a significant interaction (in ANOVA) using examples. Supplemented with extra information on the Analysis of Variance.